DAISY AMES

Entering architecture graduate school without experience (ie computer software, physical model-making skills and/or design experience) really made first year a very hard challenge. It was still a vicious battle even for those in the same program who already had four years of architecture as an undergraduate! But, in a matter of months, the computer programs were learned, model-making skills acquired, and design experience gained. But I can do better…

If there is anything I’ve learned while making my portfolio, it’s that representation is extremely important. The ideas behind my work are strong, but representing these ideas in a simple, creative and graphically stimulating way makes all the difference. In addition, various modes of material and construction exploration during the academic year can be time consuming and seem to distract from what is actually “due.” So, during the academic year these opportunities for discovery were not fully explored. But I want to explore more…

Therefore, this summer, I decided, rather than to join the internship rat-race I will be tapping into the craft of handmade objects, furniture design/build and zoning in on the architectural and graphic representation of my work. Dedicating this time to improve upon articulating my ideas, showing my skills, and heightening my ambitions is already creating a road map of adventure for this summer.  If all this building, fabricating, and devotion to representation opens a door to a new undefined path, then I welcome it with open arms!

Diagrams:

Plans:

For our Visualization III course this semester we learned a number of computer programs, fabrication techniques, assembly methods and addressed the dynamics of design collaboration. Spending the time learning these things was a real pain in the butt (at the time) relative to what seemed like more critical deadlines like Studio. But, having just finished our final installation I think it may have been my favorite class this semester. Learning notions of programs like Grasshopper exposed us to fast ways of creating and applying complex design intentions. After finalizing a design we had to fabricate it - forcing us to consider material, production method and the process… which involved milling, band-sawing, thermoforming, laser cutting, water jet and plasma cutting. A large component of these assignments had us working in groups, so we learned to articulate our ideas and work together. 

Above is the final product for our fabrication design - an elevator installation. Being on the design team, we wanted to work within a space that fostered awkward situations - the looming arrival of your floor, the obligation to make small talk, and the eavesdropping of others. While we toyed with the idea of forcing people to stand uncomfortably close to one another, we decided to investigate different ways people would interact with a designed surface. This “surface” provides a bench, foot rest, butt rest, and an peculiarly placed barrier which inhibits one’s ability to stand in the middle. It was fabricated out of 8’x4’ sheets of 3/4” MDF, which took a total of 14+ hours to mill 200+ pieces. 

1:  Be authentic. The most powerful asset you have is your individuality, what makes you unique. It’s time to stop listening to others on what you should do. 

2:  Work harder than anyone else and you will always benefit from the effort. 

3:  Get off the computer and connect with real people and culture. Life is visceral. 

4:  Constantly improve your craft. Make things with your hands. Innovation in thinking is not enough. 

5:  Travel as much as you can. It is a humbling and inspiring experience to learn just how much you don’t know. 

6:  Being original is still king, especially in this tech-driven, group-grope world. 

7:  Try not to work for stupid people or you’ll soon become one of them. 

8:  Instinct and intuition are all-powerful. Learn to trust them. 

9: The Golden Rule actually works. Do good.

10: If all else fails, No. 2 is the greatest competitive advantage of any career.

(Reblogged from ummhello)

(Source: edwinhimself.com) 

I find it interesting that looking at the climatic conditions, sun path, solar orientation and environmental conditions are considered “critical elements for green design.” (Ecotect Video) 

Actually, they are fundamental components of design. I feel that the “green movement” is just drawing attention to things that good architects have been doing for years. And, now it has turned into a system for architects to earn points for being aware of some basic characteristics of a site.

It’s almost as if getting points and awards for green design is the impetus behind understanding a site, rather than the understanding of the site being the impetus behind thoughtful design. 

I just had my last session with my studio critic. Best advice yet! Now it’s time to crank out final production material. Lots of work to do, but really excited to implement all the new suggestions. Nothing makes me happier than when my design starts to make sense. 

It’s a good thing that process is appreciated in design because sometimes the progress is not as linear as the profuse amount of time spent on the product.

There are so many detours in design, it’s just hard not to look at them as a waste of time at the end of the day.